Racing NewsAidan O'Brien could be triple-handed in Sunday's French 2,000 Guineas as the Ballydoyle trainer goes in search of a first classic victory in 2004.
Antonius Pius has long been pencilled in for the Poule D'Essai des Poulains since his seasonal reappearance behind American Post at Longchamp last month, but O'Brien hasn't ruled out sending both Grand Reward and Newton as back-up.
"It's possible that we will run more than Antonius Pius and it's possible the three of them could run," said O'Brien, who won the French 2,000 with Landseer in 2002, yesterday.
He also has multiple entries in both the French 1,000 Guineas and the Prix Lupin but added: "Royal Tigress is probably our only runner in the fillies' race, and one of either Esperanto or Book Of Kings will go in the Lupin."
Classic action will hit the Curragh the following weekend, and one man who will be very interested in proceedings is Mark Johnston, who will supplement Attraction into the Boylesports 1,000 Guineas and may also be represented in the 2,000 Guineas by Pearl Of Love.
The Group One Gran Criterium winner was placed behind One Cool Cat in last year's National Stakes but hasn't appeared yet this season due to a hoof crack. Johnston admits it will be a race against time to have him ready for the Curragh, but that hasn't stopped Boylesports making Pearl Of Love an 8 to 1 shot for the race.
The sponsors also bet: 2 Haafhd, 5-2 One Cool Cat, 3 Azamour, 7-2 Grey Swallow, 8 Pearl Of Love, 33 Grand Reward, 40 Amarula Ridge.
There is Group Three action at Cork this evening where the mile-and-a-quarter Blue Wind Stakes features.
The field includes a runner from Britain in John Gosden's Felicity and four of the classic crop taking on their elders. None is more elderly than the eight-year-old Livadiya, but age may not stop her picking up a first Group victory.
The three-time Stakes winner is ridden for the first time by Jamie Spencer, and it's worth noting the fact that although she finished seventh to D'Anjou at Leopardstown last time she was only beaten by just over two lengths.
Proven on the forecast "good to firm" ground, Livadiya should appreciate the extra quarter-mile trip and her 109 rating looks a benchmark the youngsters will find hard to reach.
Spencer rides the Fasliyev newcomer Intriguing in the opening maiden, and her trainer, David Wachman, could have a cross-code double with Manjoe, who makes his first start over fences in the Beginners' Chase. Manjoe had a first outing since October in a charity race at Punchestown and is a proven winner on quick going.
King Carew's winning streak can continue in the chase, while the course and distance winner Miracle Ridge should go well at a big price in the sprint after a blocked run up the Curragh last time out.
The apprentice division dominate the flat races at Downpatrick, where Double Bay can make a quick and successful reappearance in the maiden after running at Ballinrobe on Wednesday.
Lily Shing Shang can defy a 10lb penalty in the second handicap, and Carndale should relish the extra distance of the handicap chase after an effort at Punchestown that was ruined by a fourth-last mistake.
